E.W.NORMAN PUBLIC SCHOOL
School Handbook 2017-2018
“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind, the second is to be kind and the third is to be kind.” Henry James
2015-2016
SCHOOL HOURS
8:30 -8:45 Playground Opens- Supervision Begins Breakfast program- all students welcome For safety reasons, no child should arrive prior to 8:30 8:45- 10:45 First Instructional Block 10:45-11:25 First Nutritional Break 11:25- 1:25 Second Instructional Block 1:25-2:05 Second Nutritional Break 2:05- 3:05 Third Instructional Block 3:05 Dismissal 4:00 Office closes
IMPORTANT DATES
September 6th First Day of School October 3rd Professional Development Day October 10th Thanksgiving Holiday (School Closed) November 25th Professional Development Day December 23rd – January 9th Christmas Holidays (School Closed) January 9th Back to school 2017 February 3rd Professional Development Day February 20th Family Day (School Closed) February 27th Professional Development Day March 13th – 19th March Break (School Closed) April 3rd Professional Development Day April 14th and April 17th Good Friday and Easter Monday (School Closed) May 22nd Victoria Day (School Closed) June 9th Professional Development Day June 30th Last Day of School
Introducing the 2017-2018 E. W. Norman School Team
Early Learning Kindergarten: Mr. Pitt and Ms. Harling
Grade 1/2: Ms. Pellanda Grade 2/3: Ms. Seguin
Grade 3: Mrs. Bolton Grade 4/5: Mrs. Hargrave
Grade 5/6: Ms. Brown DLRT/Early Literacy: Mrs. Horsman
Core French/Prep: Ms. Quinn ELK Prep: Ms.
Secretary: Mrs. Dunn Principal: Mrs. Nychuk
Educational Assistants: Ms. Nieuwland, Mrs. Gosselin
Custodians: Mr. Matte, Mr. Schouwstra
The staff at E.W. Norman recognize that students achieve their best when they feel safe, welcomed, engaged, respected and included. We are committed to providing a healthy learning and working environment to support student success. We believe that parents, the school and community working together will help students learn to become responsible members of society by being sensitive to the diversity, cultural and special needs of individual students.
General School Expectations Students: Come to school with a positive attitude, prepared, on time and ready to learn. Follow established expectations and take responsibility for your actions. Never submit work to an educator if: the work was done in part or in whole by another individual; the entire work or parts of the work are taken from another source (eg. print, internet etc.) without proper reference to the original author. Show respect for all school property and use appropriate language. Show self-respect and respect for all others including other students, staff, community partners and guests. Treat others fairly, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, citizenship, faith, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. Refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others. Refuse to verbally harass, threaten or bully others. Abstain from fighting or hurting anyone. Refuse to let others be bullied. Refuse to watch, laugh or join in when someone is being bullied. Include everyone in play, especially those who are often left out. Report bullying to an adult. Parent/Guardians: Show an active interest in your child’s school work and progress. Communicate regularly with the school. Ensure that your child attends school regularly and on time. Report promptly to the school your child’s absence or late arrival. Encourage and assist your child with following the school expectations. Become familiar with the School Handbook and school expectations (sign and return the form to the principal at the beginning of each school year indicating that the School Handbook has been read) Model positive ways of getting along with others. Help your child find ways to express anger that do not involve hurting others physically or emotionally. Teach problem solving skills. Inform school staff if your child tells you about a bullying incident. Help your child understand the value of accepting and celebrating individual differences. Be alert to signs your child is being bullied or may be bullying others.
School staff members Hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour and model such behaviour. Empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school and community. Help students work to their full potential and develop their sense of self worth. Communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents. Demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers and community members. Prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship.
All members of the school community Respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws. Seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict. Refrain from bullying, threatening or intimidating another person. Refrain from committing assault, or causing injury to another person. Refrain from trafficking, being in possession of, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol when on Near North District School Board property. Refrain from being in possession of any weapon on Board property.
Definition of Bullying Bullying is aggressive behaviour that is typically repeated over time. It is meant to cause harm, fear or distress or create a negative environment at school for another person. Bullying occurs in a situation where there is a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying takes many forms. It can be physical, verbal, social/emotional or through electronic means (cyber-bullying). Bystanders contribute to bullying by doing nothing to prevent it or become actively involved by supporting it.
How do we know if it is Bullying or Conflict? Children often confuse conflict with bullying, even though they are very different. Conflict consists of a disagreement, or a difference of opinion, between two or more people who are relatively equal in social status. In conflict, there are two sides to the story. Those involved may disagree and emotions may run high. When badly managed, it may even result in some form of aggression. When conflict arises, children need opportunities to talk and resolve the conflict in a constructive manner.
Bullying Prevention Strategies ✓ Develop students’ problem solving skills ✓ Promote healthy relationships between children ✓ Encourage safe reporting ✓ Build common values (Character Traits) ✓ Emphasize cooperation and collaboration ✓ Foster empathy ✓ Use humour as a positive influence
PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE Progressive discipline is a non-punitive, whole school approach that uses a continuum of corrective and supportive interventions, supports and consequences to address inappropriate behaviour and to build strategies that promote positive behaviours. When expectations are not met, consequences shall be applied in a fair and progressive manner. Possible school responses include: ➢ Reminder or warning ➢ Review of expectations (e.g. How Knights can solve problems) ➢ Problem solving conference ➢ Verbal or written apology ➢ Withdrawal of privileges ➢ Contact or meet with parents ➢ In-school detentions for all or part of the day ➢ Replacement, repair or clean up ➢ Exclusion from extra curricular activities ➢ Student contract ➢ Suspension ➢ Police involvement ➢ Referral to school team, outside agency or community resource ➢ Expulsion
Classroom Expectations Each class develops their own classroom expectations at the beginning of the school year based upon our school expectations. These are similar to the following: 1. Show respect 3. Ask to leave the room 2. Have a positive attitude 4. Keep your hands and feet to yourself
Hallways Walk at all times. Do not loiter in the halls or washrooms.
Nutrition Breaks Ask permission of the supervisor if you need to leave the room. Clean up your eating space and floor before dismissal. Discard all garbage and/or recycling material in the appropriate containers. Remain seated and wait for dismissal by the supervisor on duty. Be respectful and polite with the supervisor on duty.
Playground Safety Rules
Play without pushing or fighting. No negative contact. No contact sports. Walk around play structures. No tag games while on the play structures. Skipping ropes, ropes or strings are not permitted on the playground equipment. Scarves or loose drawstrings are not permitted on the playground equipment. Playground equipment is off limits during rainy weather and from Oct. 31- Mar. 31st Take turns and play fairly. No food or drink on the playground. Respect the boundaries identified by the supervisors when playing on the playground. Students may not go inside for a drink or to the washroom unless they have a clip with them (from an outside supervisor). In case of injury – do NOT move the person. Report it to a supervisor.
LIFE AT E.W. NORMAN…
ALLERGIES It is the responsibility of parents of students with severe health concerns, including those who are endangered by anaphylaxis, to provide recent medical information and to work with the principal in developing a plan that addresses the needs of the at-risk child within the school. It is the responsibility of the school-age child to exercise caution in avoiding allergens. It is the responsibility of the entire school to assist in safeguarding the welfare of every child. Please be aware that we have students with peanut/nut allergies; students shall not bring food items to school that contain nuts or products that may have come into contact with nuts.
AGENDAS Students in Grades 2-6 are expected to update their agenda and carry it from home to school each day. Parents are asked to check it daily. This is an important communication tool between school and home. Lost agendas can be replaced through the office at a cost of $5.00 per agenda.
ATTENDANCE (SAFE ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE PROCEDURES) Getting your child to school on time, every day, unless they are ill, is something that you can do to ensure that your child has a chance to succeed at school. You can promote good attendance when you: ✓ Establish and stick to routines (going to bed early, waking up on time etc.) ✓ Talk to your child about why going to school every day is important unless he/she is ill. If your child seems reluctant to go to school, find out why and work with the educator or principal to resolve the issue. Our school day begins at 8:45 a.m. Please ensure that your child arrives at school in order to begin at this time. Parents are responsible for informing the school of the absence of their child (including snow days). Please call the school at 705-472-5534. Voicemail will record your message if you call before 8:50 a.m. or when the phone line is in use. Every reasonable effort will be made to contact parents or alternates for students who are absent, without notification, as soon as possible after classes begin at 8:45 a.m. Students arriving after that time must sign in at the office and are expected to catch up on any work missed. If you are picking your child up at the end of the day, please make sure that we know well in advance (call the school prior to 2:30, provide a note to your child’s teacher). If you call or arrive at the last minute it is difficult to ensure that your child, their teacher, bus driver etc. will all know in time that a change has been made. Also, we ask that if you’re coming to pick up your child(ren) that they meet you in the front lobby when the bell rings. This is for safety reasons. If you’re picking your child up any time during the day, for an appointment etc., don’t forget to sign them out.
BICYCLES/SCOOTERS/SKATEBOARDS Many students enjoy riding their bikes and scooters to school. We encourage them to ride carefully and always wear a helmet. Remember to lock your bike and store your scooter, skateboard inside the school. Always walk your bike/scooter in the school.
BREAKFAST CLUB The breakfast club at E.W. Norman has been in operation for many years. It is funded by the Student Nutrition Program as well as donations from parents and community members. It runs out of the gym for most mornings throughout the school year. Every child is welcome!
BUS TRANSPORTATION Nipissing/Parry Sound Transportation Consortium 705-472-8840 Stock Bus Lines 705- 474-4370
(1) Riding a school bus is a privilege that can be removed by school administration if a student persistently breaks the rules for bus behaviour. In the event of a bus misconduct report the student may be suspended from the bus. During bus suspensions, parents must ensure that the child is in attendance at school in spite of the loss of transportation privileges. 1st Report: Parents are notified in writing 2nd Report: Bus privileges are suspended for 1 day 3rd Report: Bus privileges are suspended for 2-5 days depending upon the severity of the infraction. Students are expected to: ✓ Follow the driver’s directions ✓ Be courteous and respectful at all times ✓ Not eat on the bus ✓ Stay seated ✓ Keep the aisles clear and free from litter ✓ Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times ✓ Leave the windows closed, unless the driver has given permission to open them ✓ Keep arms and head inside the bus at all times
(2) In the event of inclement weather, it is the responsibility of parents to listen to the radio or check the transportation website (linked to the Near North District School Board website at www.nearnorthschools.ca) to determine the extent of bus cancellations or school closure, if any. If the school is open but buses are cancelled, any students transported to school by parents in the morning must be picked up by parents at the end of the day. In the rare event of an early dismissal due to severe, worsening weather and road conditions, contact with a parent or alternate must be made before students are permitted to leave the school unless parents have specifically designated their wishes beforehand in writing. (3) Students are only permitted to ride on the bus or buses to which they have been assigned by the transportation office, and to get on/off the bus only at their assigned pickup/drop off location or transfer points.
CUSTODY Unless we have a copy of a court order that specifically states otherwise, both parents have access to information concerning a student’s progress at school. It is the responsibility of custodial parents to ensure that a copy of any custody order which restricts the access of non- custodial parents is on file at the school office.
DRESS CODE The standards for dress at the school are based on common sense and are intended to support the comfort, safety and modesty of all students. Indoor shoes, appropriate for physical activity should be worn in the building at all times. Proper athletic shoes must be worn for physical education classes and sporting events. There is a strong relationship between neat, clean and appropriate clothing and a positive learning environment. The principal reserves the right to interpret and apply school expectations and standards related to dress.
FIRE DRILLS/LOCKDOWN During fire drills everyone is expected to evacuate the building in a calm and orderly manner and to walk quietly to the designated area to wait for a re-entry signal. Should students be unable to return to the school, they will be evacuated to Holy Cross Catholic School – across the street. We are also required to hold 2 lockdown practices each year. Any students, visitors or staff in the hallway will go to the nearest classroom. We do our best to notify families of the dates of these practices.
HEALTH/COMMUNICABLE DISEASE Pink Eye: is transmitted through the discharge from the eye of the infected person, it is felt that the child should be kept home for 24 hours from the start of treatment Chicken Pox: is most communicable 1-4 days before, to 5 days after the onset of rash. Please have your child’s symptoms diagnosed and have them return to school once the child is feeling well enough to participate in regular activities. Please notify the school of cases of chicken pox. Impetigo: is most contagious while the lesions are draining. Diagnosis and treatment should be sought from a doctor. The student may return to school 24 hours after treatment has started
ILLNESS OR INJURY If a student is injured or becomes ill at school, a parent or alternate will be contacted as soon as possible. A sick child will be isolated as much as possible from classmates; first aid or medical care will be provided for injured students until a parent or designate arrives. Please ensure that emergency contact and health information is kept up to date during the course of the school year. It is our belief that every child who is well enough to be at school will benefit from being outdoors in the fresh air during recess and lunch breaks.
IMMUNIZATION Parents must provide documentation to the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit that students have all needles required by law.
INSURANCE The Near North District School Board does not provide accident insurance for students. Low- cost student accident insurance, available in September of each year from an independent insurer, covers accidental dental claims, out-of-province hospital coverage, private tuition, disability and rehabilitation benefits and much more.
LOST AND FOUND Unclaimed items are disposed of at the end of each term. We strongly encourage families to label their children’s personal belongings.
MEDICATION If your child requires prescription or non-prescription medication during school hours please notify the secretary to provide the necessary authorization and medical forms. You may be asked to provide a doctors signature in some instances. All medication, whether, prescription or not must go through the office. Medication must be in the original prescription bottle. For the protection of all staff and students, school personnel will confiscate unauthorized medication found in the possession of a student. Additionally, if you administer prescription medication to your child on a regular basis, it would be helpful for staff to know.
OUTSIDE Please note that we try to have the students enjoy fresh air as much as possible. As weather conditions in our region can fluctuate quickly, it’s important to send your child to school prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us! This includes clothing items in the cooler weather such as ski pants, hats, mitts, neck warmers, boots etc., rain gear for wet weather, as well as hats and water bottles for warmer weather. Please apply sunscreen at home rather than sending it with your child. SCHOOL COUNCIL The focus of the School Council is to work with the staff at E.W. Norman to provide the best opportunities for our students. We encourage participation in whatever capacity you are able and we certainly invite you to join us at School Council meetings which are open to all parents/guardians (meetings are announced in our monthly school newsletters).
SCHOOL RESOURCES All resources including classroom, library books, and other loaned materials will be used for several years by many students. Any lost or damaged school property will be subject to a replacement cost.
TECHNOLOGY Students will demonstrate appropriate online conduct and manners and refrain from improper/unethical use of technology. The Internet must not be used for any purpose that violates the school’s Code of Conduct. School technology is to be used for educational purposes only. We encourage students to leave personal electronic devices at home. We do realize that students may carry these devices to stay in contact with home after school so we ask that it be kept in the student’s backpack for the entire day. It should not be taken into class, used during nutrition break times or on the playground. All phone calls home shall be made through the office.
VALUABLES Students are reminded that valuables are safest at home. It is the sole responsibility of the student to take care of any valuables brought to school. The school is not responsible for broken or misplaced items. Items creating a distraction from learning or a hazard for others will be taken away from the student.
VISITORS Parents/guardian are welcome to visit our school but are asked to respect our concerns for the safety of students and the need for uninterrupted instructional time. Parents and other school visitors must report to the school office upon entering the school. If you wish to meet with your child during the school day please come to the office and your child will be called to the office by the school secretary.
VOLUNTEERS We value our volunteers and would like to thank everyone for their time and commitment. Volunteers enrich the lives of our students and are an excellent resource. If you are able to volunteer , please contact your child’s teacher, the secretary or the principal. School volunteers must ensure confidentiality and provide a criminal reference check, if required.